Display enclosure

ABSTRACT

A low profile display enclosure system for enclosing a display device for viewing that protects the display device from environmental effects. The substantially sealed display enclosure comprises a rigid bezel, a substantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel, and a rear cover assembly that may include a heat sink portion. A liquid organic coating is applied to portions of the display enclosure and cured in place in order to provide a protective surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/719,185, entitled “Display Enclosure” and filedon Mar. 8, 2010. The contents of this application are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to structures for enclosingdisplay devices. More particularly, the present invention relates toenclosures for protecting flat-panel display devices from ambientconditions encountered in a viewing location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to provide a background or context to theinvention that is recited in the claims. The description herein mayinclude concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily onesthat have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unlessotherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is notprior art to the description and claims in this application and is notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

In recent years, flat panel televisions have become enormously popularin both commercial and residential sectors. As the prices for plasma andliquid crystal display (LCD) flat panel displays have continued to fall,and the quality for the same devices have improved, more and morebusinesses and individuals have purchased such devices for both home andbusiness purposes.

The advantages of flat panel displays has also led to expandedapplication and placement of display devices, including locating displaydevices in new and challenging and environments. For example, displaydevices might be located outdoors in various residential and commercialsettings for entertainment or marketing purposes, potentially exposingthe display device to damaging rain, snow, debris, and other elements.Display devices might also be located in indoor environments such asrestrooms, kitchens, and industrial settings for various entertainment,marketing, and informational purposes. As with outdoor applications,liquids and other potential contaminants may be near or come intocontact with the mounted display device, potentially damaging ordegrading the performance of the display device. It is desirable toprotect the display device, which is often quite expensive, fromexposure to environmental and other potential contaminants. Accordingly,various, sometimes bulky, environmental enclosures have been developedthat are intended to protect a display device from the elements andother containments to permit locating such displays outdoors and inother potentially inhospitable environments.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present invention comprise enclosed displaydevice systems and enclosure systems for display devices such as a LCD,LED or plasma flat panel display devices. These systems may becharacterized by a low profile enclosure that supports an encloseddisplay device for viewing and protects the display device from adverseambient conditions that may be encountered in a viewing location. Forexample, various the enclosure systems are substantially sealed andweatherproof, preventing ingress of liquids such as precipitation thatmay occur at an outdoor viewing location.

The enclosure may be sealed and weatherproofed using a number oftechniques. In various embodiments, an adhesive or a combination ofadhesives may be used to couple components of the enclosure together andto form appropriate seals. Additional components may be applied toportions of the enclosure to further effectuate sealing of theenclosure, including an application of various coatings. These coatingsmay be in a liquid form at the time of application and then cured toform a sealing surface. For example, various organic liquid coatings arecapable of being sprayed onto to portions of the enclosure, after whichthe coatings may be chemically or thermally cured in place. Theenclosure may also undergo additional or alternative processes andcombinations thereof for sealing, including various thermal treatmentssuch as heat treating. The result is an enclosure that is resistant toor substantially impervious to liquid ingress under ambient conditionsencountered in an outdoor environment. Additionally, the materialsand/or processes are such that the visible surfaces of the finishedenclosure may also be aesthetically appealing, thereby avoiding theexpense of additional finishing treatments, such that the enclosure isappropriate for use in an outdoor media environment.

The enclosure systems according to various embodiments also providethermal protection for the enclosed display device. Modern flat paneldisplay devices typically generate heat while in use. The heat loadgenerated can be substantial under various circumstances. Consequently,the temperature within a sealed weatherproof enclosure can rapidly riseabove the thermal operating range of the display device unlessmitigated. Thermal conditions within the enclosure may be exasperated byambient conditions, for example, high ambient temperatures and/or a highsolar load on the display enclosure. Additionally, under low ambienttemperatures it may be necessary to generate additional heat within theenclosure when the display device is on or off in order to protect thedisplay device and/or maintain sufficient operating temperature withinthe enclosure. Accordingly, the enclosure systems may include activeand/or passive thermal control devices to modulate the temperaturewithin the enclosure.

Additionally and according to various embodiments, low profileprotective enclosures may extend only minimally beyond the periphery ofthe display area of the display device. In other words, it is desirableto minimize the thickness of the enclosure about the perimeter of thedisplay device when observed from a viewing angle.

With the above considerations in mind, in one set of embodiments, aprotectively enclosed flat panel display device comprises a protectiveenclosure substantially impervious to liquid ingress under ambientconditions that are encountered in an outdoor environment. Theprotective enclosure comprises a rigid bezel defining a periphery of theprotective enclosure. The rigid bezel is characterized by a front bezelsurface having a first opening and further characterized by a secondopening substantially opposite the first opening. A sealant coats atleast a portion of the rigid bezel and provides a surface over the rigidbezel substantially impervious to liquid ingress. A substantiallytransparent front cover is coupled to the front bezel surface and coversthe first opening and a rear cover assembly is coupled to the rigidbezel and substantially covers the second opening.

In another set of embodiments, a display enclosure for enclosing a flatpanel display device for viewing in an outdoor environment, comprises abezel characterized by a perimeter surface defining an enclosure areahaving a display opening and a rear opening. An organic coating isdisposed on the perimeter surface and forms a weather resistant seal onthe bezel. A front cover is coupled to the bezel and disposed over thedisplay opening. A rear cover assembly is coupled to the bezel andsubstantially covers the rear opening.

In yet another set of embodiments, a method of preparing a substantiallysealed protective enclosure for a display device, comprises assembling arigid bezel by joining a plurality of frame members. The rigid bezel ischaracterized by a display opening and a rear opening and includes aplurality of lateral surfaces substantially defining an outer peripheralsurface of the protective enclosure. The method further comprisesapplying a liquid sealant on the outer peripheral surface, and curingthe liquid sealant to form a protective coating on the rigid bezel. Themethod further includes attaching a front cover to the rigid bezel,attaching a rear cover to the rigid bezel, and placing a display devicewithin the enclosure.

These and other features of the invention, together with theorganization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent fromthe following detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numeralsthroughout the several drawings described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an enclosed display device constructed inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the bezel and display brackets of theenclosed display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the rear cover assembly of FIG. 1, andFIG. 3B is exploded view of the rear cover assembly of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the enclosed display device of FIG.1;

FIG. 5A is a front plan view of the front cover of the enclosed displaydevice of FIG. 1, and FIG. 5B is a cross section showing a portion ofthe bezel and the front cover of the enclosed display device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6A is a cross section showing a portion of the display device, aportion of the rear cover assembly and the heat pipe assembly of theenclosed display device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6B is a perspective viewshowing the heat pipe assembly of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating components of the enclosed displaydevice of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate a display enclosure 10 constructed in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. The display enclosure 10 isa protective enclosure configured to enclose a display device 20 such asa LCD, LED or plasma flat panel display device. The display enclosure 10comprises a bezel 100 that defines a frame disposed about the peripheryof the display device 20. A front cover 200, or display cover, iscoupled to the bezel 100 and covers a display opening 111, or frontopening, defined by the bezel 100. The front cover 200 comprises asubstantially transparent material that permits viewing of the displaydevice 20 within the display enclosure 10. The display enclosure 10further comprises a rear cover assembly 300 coupled to the bezel 100.The rear cover assembly 300 covers a rear opening 311, opposite thedisplay opening 111, defined by the bezel 100. The rear cover assembly300 may include a heat sink portion and a cable entry portion 350 thatpermits passage of various power, video, audio, and other data carryingcables.

The display enclosure 10 is constructed so that the display device 20may be located in an outdoor viewing environment or in otherenvironments where the display device 20 requires or may benefit fromprotection from ambient conditions. Accordingly, the display enclosure10 is constructed to resist and substantially prevent ingress of variousliquids that may be encountered in the viewing location, includingprecipitation when the display enclosure 10 is mounted for outdoorviewing of the display device 20. In various embodiments, the displayenclosure 10 is constructed to prevent ingress of rain, snow andsplashing liquid. In a particular embodiment, the display enclosure 10is constructed to prevent ingress of liquid at a submersed depth of upto five feet of water, which may correspond to a modified rating of theIP68 standard (the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference).

As described in detail below, the display enclosure 10 may be providedwith features that enable or enhance performance and operation undervarious ambient conditions, while protecting the display device 20 fromadverse conditions such as liquids that may come into contact with thedisplay enclosure 10. The bezel 100, for example, may be constructed toprovide the display enclosure 10 with a narrow periphery, or a lowprofile, that closely surrounds the display opening 111 through whichthe display area of the display device 20 is visible. Thus, the outerperiphery of the bezel 100 defines an area and the display opening 111defines a display opening area. In this configuration, the distancebetween an inner edge of the bezel 100 and the periphery of the bezel100, the bezel thickness, is minimized. In a particular embodiment, thebezel thickness is less than about 50 mm, and in a further embodiment,the bezel thickness is less than about 25 mm. In further embodiments,the bezel thickness may fall between about 25 mm and about 50 mm.

The low profile of the bezel 100 permits the display area of the displaydevice 20 to closely approach the periphery of the bezel 100. Forexample, the display opening area is maximized relative to the enclosurearea. In a particular embodiment, the display opening area is at leastabout 85 percent of the enclosure area, and in another embodiment, thedisplay area opening is at least about 92 percent of the enclosure area.In further embodiments, the display area opening may fall between about85 percent and about 92 percent of the enclosure area. The abovedescribed configurations offer a clean, low profile look where the edgeof the display area of the display device 20 is in proximity of theperiphery of the display enclosure 10. These configurations permit, forexample, a plurality of enclosures 10, each with a display device 20, tobe arranged in a video wall such that the respective display devices 20are in close proximity to one another, thereby enhancing thepresentation of the image or images displayed on the display devices 20.

The display enclosure 10 may also include thermal modulation features.Such thermal modulation features may be active and/or passive andprovide temperature control within the display enclosure 10 to assist inmaintaining an internal temperature within the display enclosure 10 thatis within an operating range of the display device 20. Still further,the display enclosure 10 may include various additional features that,for example, sense ambient light conditions and communicate with thedisplay device 20 to adjust the brightness of the display to enhanceviewability of the display device 20 under various light conditions.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bezel 100 defines the periphery of the displayenclosure 10. The bezel 100 is generally sized such that the displaydevice 20 fits within the region defined by the bezel 100. The bezel 100may comprise a plurality of frame members 105 that are assembled todefine the bezel 100. As shown, each of the plurality of frame members105 is generally of a modified “C-shape” where a rear surface of themember may extend inwardly from a lateral surface beyond a front surfaceof the member. However, other configurations may also be used, including“L-shaped” and other shaped frame members. The plurality of framemembers 105 may be constructed of metal such as aluminum or othermaterial capable of providing sufficient strength and rigidity, whilemaintaining a low peripheral profile for the display enclosure 10. Inthe depicted embodiment, the frame members include a first upper frame110, a second upper frame 112, a first lower frame 114, and a secondlower frame 116. The bezel 100 further includes a lower plate 118coupled to the first lower frame 114 and the second lower frame 116.However, other configurations of the bezel 100 may be constructed,including a single-piece frame, two-piece frame, and frames comprisingeven more pieces.

As depicted in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of frame members 105includes a frame interface 106 disposed on at least one end of therespective member. When the bezel 100 is assembled, each of the frameinterfaces 106 is received by an adjacent frame member 105. Theplurality of frame members 105 are assembled to form the perimeter ofthe bezel 100, defining an outer or peripheral surface 108. Theplurality of frame members 105 may be joined using an adhesive such as ahigh-strength epoxy. However, other techniques for joining the framemembers 105 may also be used, including other adhesives, connectingelements, welding, and combinations thereof. The first lower frame 114and the second lower frame 116 may further include a lower flange 115configured to interface with the lower plate 118. The lower flange 115defines a lower opening 123 in the bezel 100. The lower opening 123 issized to receive the display device 20 during manufacturing of thedisplay enclosure 10. The lower plate 118 is coupled to the first lowerframe 114 and the second lower frame 116 at the lower flange 115. Thelower plate 118 may be joined to the lower flange 115 by varioustechniques, including a plurality of connecting elements, adhesivebonding, welding, and combinations thereof. Regardless of the specificconstruction of the bezel 100, it will be appreciated that, in use, thebezel 100 provides support for the display device 20 and issubstantially impervious to liquids and prevents ingress of liquids andother containments into the display enclosure 10 that may be encounteredin the mounting environment.

Once the plurality of frame members 105 are joined to form the perimeterof the bezel 100, the bezel 100 may undergo an additional treatment orplurality of treatments. These treatments can include, for example,applying an organic coating and/or sealant to the bezel 100, which maybe utilized to enhance resistance to environmental effects, strengthenthe bezel, and/or provide a decorative coating. Various treatments caninclude polyurea coatings, urethane coatings, polyurethane coatings,epoxy coatings, powder coating, painting, anodizing, and combinationsthereof. The material utilized in a particular treatment may becharacterized as being adherable to the bezel 100 or an intermediatematerial disposed on the bezel and durable under various environmentalconditions. Additionally, it may be desirable for the treatment to becharacterized by one or more cosmetic attributes such as an ability toconceal surface imperfections in the bezel 100, including seams betweenthe frame members 105, as well as providing a color, texture, and finishsuitable for an outdoor display enclosure.

In an embodiment, the bezel 100 is treated with a polyurea coating. Thepolyurea coating may be applied as a liquid to portions of the bezel100, such as the external surfaces or selected surfaces, or may beapplied to the entire bezel 100. Selected surfaces of the bezel 100 maybe coated by masking or other techniques. Application of the polyureacoating may be accomplished by a spray process. In various embodiments,the polyurea coating comprises a two-component system that includes acatalyst to effectuate curing of the polyurea on the bezel 100 at roomtemperature and without the need for a subsequent heat treatingoperation. In a particular embodiment, the two-component polyurea hasthe product designation UL XT 66 and is available from Ultimate Linings,LTD, of Houston, Tex. After curing, the polyurea coating provides aweatherproof seal or surface over the applied portions of the bezel.

Various processes may be used to apply the organic coating to the bezel100, including by pumping the material to a spraying device.Proportioning valves achieve the desired ratio of the two-components,which are mixed into a blended flow prior to discharge from the spayingdevice onto the bezel. Prior to application, the viscosity of thepolyurea may lowered by heating the material in order to improve pumpingefficiency and spraying. In a particular embodiment, the components of atwo-component polyurea system are heated to about 150° F. In aparticular embodiment, the components are proportioned and heated usinga Reactor™ proportioning and heating system from Graco Inc. ofMinneapolis, Minn.

Two-component polyurea provides a highly durable and weatherproofcoating over the bezel 100. In addition to durability, the polyurea canprovide an aesthetic finish that does not require a subsequent paintingor coating step or a post-application heat treatment step to cure thecoating. For example, where the bezel 100 includes external seamsbetween the frame members 105, the polyurea coating can be applied andcured to form a surface that effectively conceals the seams to provide afinish with a uniform surface appearance on the bezel 100. The amount ofmaterial applied may be varied to achieve the desired thickness of thecoating. In a particular embodiment, a finished polyurea coating ofabout 0.060 inches is utilized. Accordingly, a two-component polyureasystem can enhance manufacturability and efficiency relative toconventional multi-step finishing processes.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5B, the plurality of frame members 105 mayform an inner edge 107 along a bezel front surface 101 that extends froma front edge 102 of the bezel 100 that defines the display opening 111.The display area of the display device 20 is visible through the displayopening 111. As such, the bezel 100 may be constructed to variousdimensions to accommodate display devices 20 of different sizes. Forexample, the bezel 100 may be constructed in accordance with displaydevice screen sizes that are commonly manufactured. In a particularembodiment, the bezel 100 is constructed to accommodate a 42 inchdisplay device 20.

The bezel 100 is constructed such that the thickness of the bezel, i.e.,the normal distance between the inner edge 107 and the peripheralsurface 108, the portion visible when viewing the display enclosure 10from the front, is minimized. That is, the bezel 100 has a low profilesurrounding the display opening 111. For example, in a particularembodiment, the distance between inner edge 107 and the outer surface ofthe display enclosure 10 is less than about 25 mm. In other words, thearea of the display opening 111 is maximized relative to the area of thedisplay enclosure 10 defined by the peripheral surface 108. For example,in a particular embodiment, the area of the display opening 111 is atleast about 92 percent of the area of the display enclosure 10. The lowperipheral profile of the bezel 100 may enhance the overall look of thedisplay enclosure 10, as well as minimizing the space needed in amounting location for installation of an enclosed display. In multiplescreen arrangements, where several displays are positioned horizontallyand/or vertically next one another, the low profile of the bezel 100 mayprovide an enhanced seamless appearance of the displayed image(s) on themultiple display devices 20.

The display opening 111 is covered by the front cover 200. As shown inFIG. 2 and FIG. 5B, the front cover ledge 109 may be disposed along theinner edge 107 and be recessed from the bezel front surface 101 toreceive the front cover 200. The front cover ledge 109 may be recessedfrom the bezel front surface 101 about the thickness of the front cover200 so that the bezel front surface 101 and the front cover 200 define asubstantially smooth surface. In other words, the surface of the frontcover 200 is neither perceptibly raised above, nor depressed below thebezel front surface 101. Alternatively, the front cover 200 may extendover the front of the bezel front surface 101 to the outer edge of bezel100 or a portion thereof. In yet another embodiment, the front cover 200may be disposed in back of the bezel front surface 101 and receivedwithin the bezel 100.

FIGS. 1, 5A and 5B show the front cover 200, which attaches to a frontportion of the bezel 100. The front cover 200 comprises a plate of asubstantially transparent material that permits viewing of the displaydevice 20 within the display enclosure 10. Accordingly, the front cover200 may comprise glass or a substantially transparent plastic. In aparticular embodiment, the front cover 200 comprises tempered glass. Thefront cover 200 is joined to the bezel 100 in a manner that preventsingress of liquids into the display enclosure 10. For example, the frontcover 200 may be bonded to the bezel 100 using an adhesive such as aurethane adhesive. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the front cover 200 mayinclude a border 208 that may be substantially opaque, on the frontand/or rear surfaces about the periphery to mask the bonding regionbetween the front cover 200 and the front cover ledge 109. The frontcover 200 may further include an anti-reflective coating on the frontand/or rear surfaces to reduce photopic reflection. The front cover 200may also be treated to mitigate ambient ultraviolet (UV) lightdegradation of the polarizer module of the display device 20. Forexample, the front cover 200 may include a UV coating configured toshield the polarizer from at least a portion of ambient UV radiation. Invarious embodiments, the front cover 200 is of sufficient strength towithstand ambient conditions when the display enclosure 10 is locatedfor outdoor viewing. In a particular embodiment, the front cover 200comprises tempered glass of about 4 mm in thickness.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a rear cover assembly 300 covers the rearportion of the display enclosure 10. More particularly, the rear coverassembly 300 covers the rear opening 311 defined by the bezel 100. Therear cover assembly 300 is attached to a rear surface 122 extending froma rear edge 121 of the bezel 100. The rear cover assembly 300 is joinedto the bezel 100 in a manner that prevents ingress of liquids into thedisplay enclosure 10. A plurality of connecting elements may be receivedabout the perimeter of the rear cover assembly 300 in order to join therear cover assembly 300 to the bezel 100. The use of removableconnecting elements allows for installation of and access to the displaydevice 20 within in the display enclosure 10. It will be appreciatedthat the connection of the rear cover assembly 300 to the bezel 100 isconfigured to prevent ingress of liquid into the display enclosure 10.In an embodiment, a gasket may be disposed between the rear coverassembly 300 and the bezel 100 to provide appropriate sealing of thedisplay enclosure 10. The rear cover assembly 300 also serves as a heatsink, dissipating heat generated from within the display enclosure 10 tothe environment outside the enclosure. As such, at least a portion ofthe rear cover assembly 300 may comprise a material having a relativelyhigh thermal conductivity. For example, in an embodiment, the rear coverassembly 300 comprises die cast aluminum. As depicted in FIG. 3A, therear cover assembly 300 assembly may include a heat sink portion thatcomprises a plurality of fins 301 disposed on the outer surface toenhance convective transfer of heat generated from within the displayenclosure 10 to the environment.

In various embodiments, the display enclosure 10 is constructed byassembling the plurality of frame members 105 to form the bezel 100.After the bezel 100 is formed, the display device 20 is introduced intothe region defined by the bezel 100 through the lower opening 123. Withthe display device 20 in place within the region defined by the bezel,the lower plate 118 is secured to the bezel 100. By introducing thedisplay device 20 through the lower opening 123 several advantages maybe achieved, including a low profile for the bezel 100 and a well sealedenclosure. Because the display device 20 is introduced through the loweropening 123, the dimensions of various portions of the bezel 100 may beincreased. For example, the rear surface 122 may be extended towards theinterior of the bezel 100 to enhance the structural integrity of thedisplay enclosure 10 with no increase in the profile of the bezel 100because the display device 20 need not fit through the rear openingdefined by the rear surface 122. Additionally, extending the rearsurface 122 permits the front portions of the bezel 100, including thefront surface 101 and the front cover ledge 109, to have a low profile.

FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the rear cover assembly 300 thatcomprises a plurality of panels, including a left panel 310, a centralpanel 315, and a right panel 320, that are coupled together. Similar tothe bezel 100, the left panel 310, the central panel 315, and the rightpanel 320 may be joined using a high-strength adhesive such as epoxy butmay be attached using other techniques, including connecting elements,welding, and combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 3A, the rear coverassembly 300 may include a plurality of mount attachment features 305that permit the display enclosure 10 to be coupled to a pedestal, wallmount, ceiling mount, or other mounting system. In an embodiment, theplurality of mount attachment features 305 comprises openings disposedin the rear cover assembly according to an industry standard pattern.The rear cover assembly 300 may include an access area 325 as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. The access area 325, for example, provides entry forpower and signal cables coupled to the display device 20. With referenceto FIGS. 3A and 4, an access cover 327 is attachable to the rear coverassembly 300 and may include cable glands to seal the cable entries,preventing ingress of liquid into the display enclosure 10 at the cableentry point. The rear cover assembly 300 may include a display controlaccess 330 for an on screen display (OSD) interface 530. The OSDinterface 530 may include a number of inputs operable by a user thatallow for manual control and/or adjustment of settings of the displaydevice 20. A cable entry cover 335 may be installed over the displaycontrol access 330 to prevent ingress of liquids into the displayenclosure 10.

The display enclosure 10 may include internal supports disposed withinthe display enclosure 10. As depicted in FIG. 2, the display enclosure10 includes display brackets 180. The display brackets 180 areattachable to a rear portion of the display device 20. The displaybrackets 180 generally comprise elongated members with openings forreceiving connecting elements to secure the display device 20. Thedisplay brackets 180 may be directly coupled to the bezel 100 or, asdepicted, by connecting brackets 182 attachable to the bezel 100. Thedisplay brackets 180 secure the display device 20 in the displayenclosure 10 and provide additional rigidity to the display enclosure10.

Various thermal control devices may be disposed within or at leastpartially within the display enclosure 10, to assist in maintaining theinternal temperature of the display enclosure 10. Thermal control may beaccomplished by including devices intended to add and/or remove heatfrom the display enclosure 10 depending on ambient conditions and/or theoperating conduction of the display device 20. The various thermalcontrol devices may work independently or in concert to assist inmodulating the temperature inside the display enclosure 10 within theoperating temperature range and/or storage temperature range of thedisplay device 20 under various ambient conditions. In a particularembodiment, the display enclosure 10 is capable of maintaining theinternal temperature inside the enclosure within the operating range ofthe display device 20 for an ambient temperature range of between about1° C. and about 60° C. The thermal control devices within the displayenclosure 10 may comprise passive and/or active devices.

One of the thermal control devices within the display enclosure 10 maycomprise a heat pipe assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 1, the displayenclosure may include a plurality of heat pipe assemblies 400. Withreference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the heat pipe assembly 400 is coupled tothe display device 20 and the rear cover assembly 300. The heat pipeassembly 400 conducts heat generated by the display device 20 to therear cover assembly 300, which as described above, may comprise amaterial of relatively high thermal conductivity as well as a pluralityof fins 301 for dissipating heat from the display enclosure 10 to theenvironment. The heat pipe assembly 400 comprises a thermal connectingelement 402 that thermally couples a display device heat spreader 401and a rear cover heat spreader 403. The display device heat spreader 401may be directly or operatively coupled to a rear portion of the displaydevice 20. The rear cover heat spreader 403 is directly or operativelycoupled to the rear cover assembly 300. Heat generated by the displaydevice 20 is consequently conducted via the heat pipe assembly 400 tothe rear cover assembly 300. It will be appreciated that theeffectiveness of the heat pipe assembly 400 to achieve temperaturecontrol within the display enclosure 10 will depend on the area of theinterfaces, quality of the interfaces, and location of the displaydevice heat spreader 401 in relation to the display device 20 and theheat generating portions thereof.

The display enclosure 10 may also include an internal fan 410 locatedwithin the display enclosure 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The internal fan 410circulates air within the display enclosure 10, mitigating thermalgradients or hot spots on, for example, a surface of the display device20 and regions within the display enclosure 10. The internal fan 410 iselectrically coupled to a power source to provide operating power. In anembodiment, and as depicted in FIG. 7 and described more fully below, apower supply 500 may be included within the display enclosure 10 toprovide direct or indirect power to the internal fan 410 and otherdevices within the display enclosure 10. The internal fan 410 may alsobe electrically coupled to a thermal control unit 510. In an embodiment,the thermal control unit 510 may comprise a thermostat that is capableof detecting a temperature within the display enclosure 10 and/or on thedisplay device 20. In a particular embodiment, a dual temperatureintegrated circuit sensor is mounted to the thermal control unit 510.The thermal control unit 510 may be equipped with one or moretemperature set points. The thermal control unit 510 may activate theinternal fan 410 (or other thermal control device) when a firsttemperature set point is detected, for example, 30° C. The internal fan410 then operates, mixing the air within the display enclosure 10, for apredetermined period, until the detected internal temperature fallsbelow the first temperature set point, or the thermal control unit 510otherwise shuts off the internal fan 410.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, a heating element 420 may be locatedwithin the display enclosure 10 to facilitate operation of the displaydevice 20 under ambient temperature conditions that fall below theoperational range or that would degrade the operation of the displaydevice 20. The heating element 420 may also be operated while thedisplay device 20 is off or in sleep mode, to mitigate damage to thedisplay device 20 that could be caused by ambient temperatures below thestorage temperature of the device. Various heating devices andcombinations thereof may be used in the display enclosure 10. In aparticular embodiment, the heating element 420 comprises one or moreelectrical strip heaters. Like the internal fan 410, the heating element420 is electrically coupled to a power source for operation such as thepower supply 500. The heating element 420 may have its own control or beelectrically coupled to the thermal control unit 510. Where the heatingelement 420 is coupled to the thermal control unit 510, the thermalcontrol unit 510 activates the heating element 420 upon detecting atemperature within the display enclosure 10 that falls below a secondtemperature set point. In a particular embodiment, the secondtemperature set point is set at 5° C. The heating element 420 operates,elevating the temperature within the display enclosure 10, for apredetermined period, until the detected internal temperature risesabove the second temperature set point, or the thermal control unit 510otherwise shuts off the heating element 420.

As noted above and as shown in FIG. 1, the power supply 500 may bemounted within the display enclosure 10. The power supply 500 iselectrically coupled to a power source, for example, directly orindirectly to a conventional power grid or other source. As shown inFIG. 7, an EMI filter 505 may be included between the power source andthe power supply 500. The power supply 500 may be used to power internaldevices, for example, the internal fan 410, the heating element 420, andthe thermal control unit 510, located within the display enclosure 10.The power supply 500 may also be configured to supply power to thedisplay device 20. In addition to the display device 20, the powersupply 500 may be a significant heat generator that may raise theinternal temperature within the display enclosure 10 when in operation.Accordingly, the power supply 500 may include one or more heat sinksoperatively coupled to the rear cover assembly 300 to facilitatedissipation of heat generated within the display enclosure 10.

In addition to the devices already described, a display controller 520that controls the display device 20 may be mounted within displayenclosure 10. Alternatively, the controller may be integral with thedisplay device 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the display controller 520 iselectrically coupled to the power supply 500, the display device 20, andthe OSD interface 530. The display controller 520 includes inputs forreceiving typical audio/visual signals, e.g., HDMI, VGA, PC audio input,component video, S-video, composite video, SPDIF, audio inputs, andATSC/cable tuner. The display controller 520 includes processingcomponents for output of a signal for display by the display device 20.An audio output from the display controller 520 may be directed to thedisplay device 20 or to stand alone audio equipment that may be situatedoutside the display enclosure 10. The display controller 520 is alsocoupled to OSD accessible from the rear of the display enclosure 10.

The display enclosure 10 may also be provided with an ambient lightsensor 540. The ambient light sensor 540 senses the light level outsidethe display enclosure 10 and may be mounted to the bezel 100 or beneaththe front cover 200. The ambient light sensor 540 is electricallycoupled to the power supply 500 and the display controller 520. Thedisplay controller 520 receives input from the ambient light sensor 540and, based on the input signal, may be configured to adjust thedisplayed image, for example, the brightness and/or the contrast,generated by the display device 20. For instance, under relatively lowambient light conditions, such as at night when the display enclosure 10is located outdoors, the display controller 520 may be configured toautomatically decrease the brightness of the display device 20 based onthe input from the ambient light sensor 540.

The display enclosure 10 may also be equipped with features that enablecommunication between the display device 20 and a remote control deviceconfigured to control and the display device 20. The display enclosure10 may include a remote control input 550. The remote control input 550comprises an infrared sensor in a particular embodiment. The remotecontrol input 550 is electrically coupled to the display controller 520and may be mounted to the bezel 100 or located beneath the front cover200 to receive input from a separate remote control device configured tocontrol the operation of the display device.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the present invention havebeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to theprecise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible inlight of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of thepresent invention. The embodiments were chosen and described to explainthe principles of the present invention and its practical application toenable one skilled in the art to utilize the present invention invarious embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

1. A protectively enclosed flat panel display device having a displayregion viewable from outside an enclosure of a rigid bezel having afirst opening covered by a substantially transparent front cover and asecond opening substantially covered by a rear cover assembly,comprising a protective enclosure substantially impervious to liquidingress under ambient conditions encountered in an outdoor environment,the protective enclosure including a sealant coating that coats at leasta portion of the rigid bezel, the sealant coating providing a surfaceover the rigid bezel substantially impervious to liquid ingress.
 2. Theprotectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim 1, wherein thesealant coating comprises an organic coating configured to adhere to therigid bezel.
 3. The protectively enclosed flat panel display device ofclaim 2, wherein the sealant coating comprises a polyurea material. 4.The protectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim 3, whereinthe polyurea material comprises a sprayable material capable of beingapplied to the rigid bezel as a liquid and curable on the rigid bezel.5. The protectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim 4,wherein the polyurea material comprise a plurality of componentscatalytically curable at about room temperature on the rigid bezel. 6.The protectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim 1, whereinthe rigid bezel comprises a plurality of frame members defining aperiphery of the protective enclosure, and a flat panel display deviceis disposed within the enclosure such that the display area of thedisplay device is substantially aligned with the first opening.
 7. Theprotectively enclosed flat panel display device of claim 6, wherein therigid bezel defines a lower opening configured to receive the flat paneldisplay device upon introduction of the flat panel display into theprotective enclosure, and wherein the lower opening is sealable by alower plate selectively attachable to the rigid bezel.
 8. A displayenclosure for enclosing a flat panel display device for viewing in anoutdoor environment, comprising: a bezel defining a perimeter surfacedescribing an enclosure area having a display opening covered by asubstantially transparent front cover coupled to the bezel and a rearopening substantially covered by a rear cover assembly coupled to thebezel; an organic coating disposed on the perimeter surface and forminga weather resistant seal over the bezel, wherein the coated rigid bezel,the front cover and the rear cover substantially define the displayenclosure configured to receive the flat panel display device therein,and wherein the display enclosure is resistant to liquid ingress in anoutdoor viewing environment.
 9. The display enclosure of claim 8,wherein the organic coating comprises a polyurea material.
 10. Thedisplay enclosure of claim 9, wherein the polyurea material comprises asprayable material capable of being applied to the bezel.
 11. Thedisplay enclosure of claim 9, wherein the polyurea material comprises atwo-component material curable at room temperature.
 12. The displayenclosure of claim 10, wherein the bezel comprises an assembly of aplurality frame members.
 13. The display enclosure of claim 8, whereinthe rigid bezel further comprises: a rear surface extending inwardlyfrom a rear edge of the perimeter surface and defining the rear opening;and a front surface extending inwardly from a front edge of theperimeter surface and defining the display opening.
 14. A method ofpreparing a substantially sealed protective enclosure for a displaydevice, comprising: assembling a rigid bezel by joining a plurality offrame members, the rigid bezel characterized by a display opening and arear opening, the rigid bezel including a plurality of lateral surfacessubstantially defining an outer peripheral surface of the protectiveenclosure; applying a liquid sealant on the outer peripheral surface;curing the liquid sealant to form a protective coating on the rigidbezel; attaching a front cover to the rigid bezel, the front covercovering the display opening; attaching a rear cover to the rigid bezel,the rear cover covering at least a portion of the rear opening; andplacing a display device within the enclosure, the display deviceincluding a display area viewable through the front cover, wherein theprotective enclosure is substantially impervious to precipitation in anoutdoor environment.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the liquidsealant is applied after the assembly of the rigid bezel.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein the liquid sealant is applied by spraying onto theouter peripheral surface.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the liquidsealant comprises a two-component polyurea having a catalyst componentconfigured to effectuate curing at room temperature.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the liquid sealant is heated prior to spraying. 19.The method of claim 14, wherein the rigid bezel is further characterizedby a lower opening, and wherein the display is placed within theenclosure by insertion through the lower opening.